So how long will Utley be out?

So, I have to thank colleague Gary Blockus for a huge chunk of this information about Chase Utley and his injury.

As you've probably heard by now, the Phillies second baseman is having surgery today to repair his sprained ulner collateral ligament in his thumb.

Since I am not on the road (not by my choice) and the Phillies provide limited information in press releases, I don't know the details and don't want to simply report what others are reporting. So, I'm going to pass along some info that Gary, who has a lot of sports medicine knowledge based on his own injuries and because he's been in the business at least 20 years longer than I have.

Gary said Utley likely has what is commonly called "Gatekeeper's Thumb or Skier's Thumb." Surgery is required in those cases, and presumably Utley's, to avoid permanent loss of range of motion. Obviously, that is key when it comes to gripping a bat.

He may have a screw implanted to faciliate the healing process (much like Ryan Madson did on his toe).

I've heard he could be out 5-6 weeks; I've heard he could be out 6-8 weeks.

I'd be stunned if it were on the shorter side. Almost every time this season trainers and front office personnel have given us a timetable, it's been significantly longer. They didn't think Madson needed surgery, he did. They thought J.A. Happ would miss one start, he's been out since mid-April. They thought Jimmy Rollins' second stint on the DL wouldn't be more than 15 days, he missed around a month. And we were told Carlos Ruiz didn't have a concussion and likely wouldn't go on the DL, and he did.

So, be optimistic if you wish. If that will help you get through all the troubling signs this team has had this year, so be it.

Recent Comments

I'm not throwing this season away like so many people are. I know the question of Werth is out there after this season, but realistically, doesn't this team have another good, quality run in them for this year and next??

This season appears to be like the last season for the Mets. Too many injuries.
Werth has been pretty well worthless the whole season.
Howard - it seems like he is hot and cold, but remember he carries the team in September.
Hamels and Halladay - they have been slumping lately.
Schneider - I realize he was brought in as a backup, but come on, is he on his second trip now to the DL?
Still, they are within striking distance and the half way point.
We cant give up yet, but it will take a lot for this team to get it done this year.